14.1.4 Flavoured drinks

GB food category, from assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II, Part D, as at 28 June 2024.

In Great Britain an additive may be used only in the foods and under the conditions listed for them. Since 1 April 2025 those conditions are Annex II as it stood on 28 June 2024, read with the FSA and FSS register of authorisations. This page shows what is listed for this category. It does not infer anything from broader categories: where Annex II extends a broader category's provisions to its subcategories, it says so in that category's own listing. See the broader category 14.1.

Listed for this category

Additive	Maximum level	Conditions	Citation
Acesulfame potassium E950	350 mg/kg or mg/l	only energy-reduced or with no added sugar.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Advantame E969	6 mg/kg or mg/l	only energy reduced or with no added sugar.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Annatto extracts, bixin-based E160b(i)	20 mg/kg or mg/l	—	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Aspartame E951	600 mg/kg or mg/l	only energy-reduced or with no added sugar.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Aspartame-acesulfame salt E962	350 mg/kg or mg/l	only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (11): Limits are expressed as (a) acesulfame K equivalent or (b) aspartame equivalent. Note (49): The maximum usable levels are derived from the maximum usable levels for its constituent parts, aspartame (E 951) and acesulfame-K (E 950). Note (50): The levels for both E 951 and E 950 are not to be exceeded by use of the salt of aspartame-acesulfame, either alone or in combination with E 950 or E 951.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Calcium cyclamate INS 952(ii)	250 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 952, Cyclamates. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (51): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free acid.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 952, Cyclamates
Calcium saccharin E954	—	Authorised under E 954, Saccharins. (1) ML 80: only energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 100: only ‘ gaseosa ’ energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (52): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free imide.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 954, Saccharins
Cyclamic acid INS 952(i)	250 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 952, Cyclamates. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (51): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free acid.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 952, Cyclamates
Cyclamic acid and its Na and Ca salts E952	250 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 952, Cyclamates. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (51): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free acid.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 952, Cyclamates
Cyclodextrin, beta- E459	500 mg/kg or mg/l	only flavoured powdered instant drinks.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Dimethyl dicarbonate E242	250 mg/kg or mg/l	Note (24): Ingoing amount, residues not detectable.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides E960c	80 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.	FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides
Erythritol E968	16,000 mg/kg or mg/l	only energy-reduced or with no added sugars, as flavour enhancer only.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
FD&C Yellow No. 6 E110	20 mg/kg or mg/l	excluding chocolate milk and malt products. Note (61): The total quantity of E 104, E 110, E 124 and the colours in Group III shall not exceed the maximum listed for Group III.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Fumaric acid E297	1,000 mg/kg or mg/l	only instant powders for fruit-based drinks.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Glycerol ester of wood rosin E445	100 mg/kg or mg/l	only cloudy drinks.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Lycopene E160d	12 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 160d, Lycopene. excluding dilutable drinks.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 160d, Lycopene
Lycopene, Blakeslea trispora INS 160d(iii)	12 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 160d, Lycopene. excluding dilutable drinks.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 160d, Lycopene
Lycopene, synthetic INS 160d(i)	12 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 160d, Lycopene. excluding dilutable drinks.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 160d, Lycopene
Lycopene, tomato INS 160d(ii)	12 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 160d, Lycopene. excluding dilutable drinks.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 160d, Lycopene
Neohesperidine DC E959	—	(1) ML 30: only energy-reduced or with no added sugar, except milk and milk derivative based flavoured drinks; (2) ML 50: only milk and milk derivative based flavoured drinks, energy-reduced or with no added sugar.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Neotame E961	—	(1) ML 20: only energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 2: only energy-reduced or with no added sugar, as flavour enhancer.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Octenyl succinic acid (OSA) modified gum arabic E423	1,000 mg/kg or mg/l	only in energy drinks and in drinks containing fruit juice.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Polydimethylsiloxane E900	10 mg/kg or mg/l	—	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Ponceau 4R (Cochineal red A) E124	10 mg/kg or mg/l	excluding chocolate milk and malt products. Note (61): The total quantity of E 104, E 110, E 124 and the colours in Group III shall not exceed the maximum listed for Group III.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Potassium saccharin E954	—	Authorised under E 954, Saccharins. (1) ML 80: only energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 100: only ‘ gaseosa ’ energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (52): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free imide.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 954, Saccharins
Propylene glycol alginate E405	300 mg/kg or mg/l	—	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Quillaia extract E999	200 mg/kg or mg/l	Note (45): Calculated as anhydrous extract.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Quinoline yellow E104	10 mg/kg or mg/l	excluding chocolate milk and malt products. Note (61): The total quantity of E 104, E 110, E 124 and the colours in Group III shall not exceed the maximum listed for Group III.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Rebaudioside AM produced via enzymatic conversion of highly purified stevioside stevia leaf extracts E960c(iv)	80 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.	FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides
Rebaudioside D produced via enzymatic conversion of highly purified rebaudioside A stevia leaf extracts E960c(iii)	80 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.	FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides
Rebaudioside M from fermentation produced by Yarrowia lipolytica E960b(i)	80 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 960b, Steviol glycosides from fermentation. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.	FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960b, Steviol glycosides from fermentation
Rebaudioside M produced via enzymatic conversion of highly purified rebaudioside A stevia leaf extracts E960c(ii)	80 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.	FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides
Rebaudioside M produced via enzyme modification of steviol glycosides from stevia E960c(i)	80 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.	FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides
Saccharin E954	—	Authorised under E 954, Saccharins. (1) ML 80: only energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 100: only ‘ gaseosa ’ energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (52): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free imide.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 954, Saccharins
Sodium cyclamate INS 952(iv)	250 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 952, Cyclamates. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (51): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free acid.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 952, Cyclamates
Sodium saccharin E954	—	Authorised under E 954, Saccharins. (1) ML 80: only energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 100: only ‘ gaseosa ’ energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (52): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free imide.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 954, Saccharins
Steviol glycosides from fermentation E960b	80 mg/kg or mg/l	Authorised under E 960b, Steviol glycosides from fermentation. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.	FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960b, Steviol glycosides from fermentation
Steviol glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Steviol glycosides from Stevia) E960	80 mg/kg or mg/l	only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.	FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026)
Succinic acid E363	3,000 mg/kg or mg/l	only powders for home preparation of drinks.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Sucralose E955	300 mg/kg or mg/l	only energy-reduced or with no added sugar.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Sucrose acetate isobutyrate E444	300 mg/kg or mg/l	only cloudy drinks.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Thaumatin E957	0.5 mg/kg or mg/l	only water based flavoured non-alcoholic drinks, as flavour enhancer only.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)

Permitted as members of an additive group

Annex II authorises some additives collectively. Each group below shares one set of conditions for this category.

E 200 – 202: Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate (SA) — 2 additives(1) ML 250: maximum applies if E 210 – 213, benzoic acid – benzoates, have also been used; (2) ML 300: excluding dairy-based drinks. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (2): The maximum level is applicable to the sum and the levels are expressed as the free acid.

Potassium sorbate E202
Sorbic acid E200

E 210–213: Benzoic acid — benzoates (BA) — 4 additivesML = 150. excluding dairy-based drinks. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (2): The maximum level is applicable to the sum and the levels are expressed as the free acid.

E 220–228: Sulphur dioxide — sulphites — 8 additives(1) ML 20: only carry over from concentrates in non-alcoholic flavoured drinks containing fruit juice; (2) ML 50: only non-alcoholic flavoured drinks containing at least 235 g/l glucose syrup; (3) ML 350: only concentrates based on fruit juice and containing not less than 2,5 % barley (barley water); (4) ML 250: only other concentrates based on fruit juice or comminuted fruit; capilé, groselha. Note (3): Maximum levels are expressed as SO 2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO 2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present.

E 338–341, E 343 and E 450 — 452: Phosphoric acid — phosphates — di-, tri- and polyphosphates — 26 additives(1) ML 700: no further restriction; (2) ML 500: only sport drinks; (3) ML 4000: only whey protein containing sport drinks; (4) ML 20000: only vegetable protein drinks; (5) ML 2000: only chocolate and malt dairy-based drinks. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (4): The maximum level is expressed as P 2 O 5. E 450 (ix) is not included.

E 355–357: Adipic acid — adipates — 3 additivesML = 10000. only powders for home preparation of drinks. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination.

E 432–436: Polysorbates — 5 additivesML = 10. only carbonated drinks. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination.

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate E432
Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate E434
Polysorbate 60 E435
Polysorbate 65 E436
Polysorbate 80 E433

E 473–474: Sucrose esters of fatty acids, Sucroglycerides — 2 additives(1) ML 5000: only aniseed-based, dairy-based, coconut and almond drinks; (2) ML 10000: only powders for the preparation of hot beverages. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination.

Sucroglycerides E474
Sucrose esters of fatty acids E473

E 481–482: Stearoyl-2-lactylates — 2 additivesML = 2000. only powders for the preparation of hot beverages. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination.

Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate E482
Sodium stearoyl lactylate E481

Group I — 167 additivesquantum satis. E 420, E 421, E 953, E 965, E 966 and E 967 may not be used E 968 may not be used except where specifically provided for in this food category.

Acetic acid E260
Acetic and fatty acid esters of glycerol E472a
Acetylated distarch adipate E1422
Acetylated distarch phosphate E1414
Acetylated oxidized starch E1451
Agar E406
Alginic acid E400
Alpha-tocopherol E307
Ammonium alginate E403
Ammonium bicarbonate
Ammonium carbonate
Ammonium carbonates E503
Ammonium hydroxide E527
Argon E938
Ascorbic acid E300
Ascorbyl palmitate E304
Ascorbyl stearate E304(ii)
Calcium 5'-guanylate E629
Calcium 5'-inosinate E633
Calcium 5'-ribonucleotides E634
Calcium acetate E263
Calcium alginate E404
Calcium ascorbate E302
Calcium carbonate E170
Calcium chloride E509
Calcium citrate E333
Calcium di-L-glutamate E623
Calcium gluconate E578
Calcium hydroxide E526
Calcium lactate E327
Calcium malate, D, L-
Calcium malates E352
Calcium oxide E529
Calcium sulfate E516
Calcium tartrate E354
Carbon dioxide E290
Carob bean gum E410
Carrageenan E407
Citric acid E330
Citric and fatty acid esters of glycerol E472c
Delta-tocopherol E309
Diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol E472e
Dicalcium citrate E333(ii)
Dipotassium 5'-guanylate E628
Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides E635
Disodium citrate E331(ii)
Disodium guanylate E627
Disodium inosinate E631
Distarch phosphate E1412
Erythritol E968
Ethyl cellulose E462
Fatty acids E570
Gamma-tocopherol E308
Gellan gum E418
Gluconic acid E574
Glucono delta-lactone E575
Glutamic acid E620
Glycerin E422
Glycine E640
Guanylic acid, 5'- E626
Guar gum E412
Gum arabic (Acacia gum) E414
Gum tragacanth E413
Helium E939
Hydrochloric acid E507
Hydrogen E949
Hydroxypropyl cellulose E463
Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate E1442
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E464
Hydroxypropyl starch E1440
Inosinic acid, 5'- E630
Invertase E1103
Isomalt (Hydrogenated isomaltulose) E953
Konjac flour E425
L-Cysteine E920
Lactic acid E270
Lactic and fatty acid esters of glycerol E472b
Lactitol E966
Lecithin E322
Lecithin, partially hydrolysed
Magnesium carbonate E504
Magnesium chloride E511
Magnesium di-L-glutamate E625
Magnesium hydroxide E528
Magnesium hydroxide carbonate
Magnesium oxide E530
Magnesium salts of fatty acids E470b
Malic acid E296
Maltitol
Maltitol syrup E965
Mannitol E421
Mannitol manufactured by fermentation E421(ii)
Methyl cellulose E461
Methyl ethyl cellulose E465
Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids E472f
Mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids E471
Monoammonium glutamate E624
Monocalcium citrate E333(i)
Monopotassium glutamate E622
Monosodium L-glutamate E621
Monostarch phosphate E1410
Nitrogen E941
Nitrous oxide E942
Oxidized starch E1404
Oxygen E948
Pectins E440
Phosphated distarch phosphate E1413
Polydextrose E1200
Potassium 5’-inosinate E632
Potassium acetate E261
Potassium acid tartrate E336
Potassium alginate E402
Potassium bicarbonate E501
Potassium carbonate E501
Potassium chloride E508
Potassium citrates E332
Potassium diacetate
Potassium dihydrogen citrate
Potassium gluconate E577
Potassium hydrogen sulfate E515(ii)
Potassium hydroxide E525
Potassium lactate E326
Potassium malate E351
Potassium sulfate
Potassium sulphates E515
Potassium tartrate
Powdered cellulose E460
Processed eucheuma seaweed (PES) E407a
Sodium acetate E262
Sodium acid tartrate E335(i)
Sodium alginate E401
Sodium ascorbate E301
Sodium bicarbonate E500
Sodium carbonate E500
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, enzymatically hydrolysed (Cellulose gum, enzymatically hydrolyzed) E469
Sodium carboxymethylcellulose E466
Sodium citrate
Sodium citrates E331
Sodium diacetate E262
Sodium dihydrogen citrate
Sodium DL-malate
Sodium gluconate E576
Sodium hydrogen DL-malate
Sodium hydrogen sulfate
Sodium hydroxide E524
Sodium lactate E325
Sodium malates E350
Sodium potassium tartrate E337
Sodium sesquicarbonate
Sodium sulfate
Sodium sulphates E514
Sodium tartrate E335
Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids E470a
Sorbitol E420
Sorbitol syrup
Soybean hemicellulose E426
Starch acetate E1420
Starch sodium octenyl succinate E1450
Sulfuric acid E513
Tara gum E417
Tartaric acid E334
Tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids E472d
Tocopherol-rich extract E306
Triammonium citrate E380
Tripotassium citrate
Xanthan gum E415
Xylitol E967

Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis — 25 additivesquantum satis. excluding chocolate milk and malt products Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.

Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit — 14 additivesML = 100. excluding chocolate milk and malt products Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.